Moviegoers watching Steven Spielberg’s latest science fiction thriller, “Disclosure Day,” may think they’re seeing Kansas City, rural Missouri or small-town America. But South Jersey residents know the truth.
Much of the blockbuster, which premiered June 12, was filmed right here in Cape May and Atlantic counties, transforming local roads, railways and communities into the backdrop for Spielberg’s first sci-fi film in nearly a decade.
According to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, “Disclosure Day” spent an estimated $34 million during 23 days of filming in New Jersey and hired more than 1,800 crew members. The production shot scenes in 10 municipalities across six counties, including Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and Upper Township and Woodbine in Cape May County.
For many residents, the arrival of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors brought excitement, economic activity and a chance to see their hometowns on the big screen.
South Jersey disguised as the Midwest
Spielberg’s film follows an unfolding extraterrestrial mystery that spans several Midwestern states. Rather than relying heavily on computer-generated environments, the production team sought authentic American landscapes and communities.That search led them to South Jersey.
Production designers transformed local locations into fictional Midwestern settings, using the region’s farmland, forests and small-town character to create a believable backdrop for the story. The film’s creators favored real locations over futuristic sets, giving the movie a grounded, realistic feel.
Woodbine, Upper Township and Buena Vista Township became key filming hubs during the spring of 2025. Residents reported road closures, production vehicles and glimpses of cast members, including Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor and Colman Domingo, as filming unfolded.
While audiences may never realize they are looking at South Jersey, local landmarks and landscapes are woven throughout the film.
The train scene that put Cape May Seashore Lines in the spotlight
While “Disclosure Day” showcases locations throughout Cape May and Atlantic counties, few local landmarks played a bigger role in the film than the historic Cape May Seashore Lines railroad.
In fact, state film officials have said the railroad was instrumental in helping New Jersey land the production. The line’s vintage locomotives, freight equipment and rural rail corridors offered exactly the kind of authentic Americana Spielberg’s team was searching for when recreating the Midwest on screen.
During the film’s 23-day New Jersey shoot, scenes were filmed along the railroad in the Tuckahoe and Milmay areas, where tracks cut through forests and farmland that look remarkably untouched by time.
For movie fans, one of the film’s most talked-about moments is the dramatic train collision sequence. According to actor Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Spielberg insisted on creating the scene using practical effects whenever possible, filming with a real train and an actual vehicle collision rather than relying entirely on computer-generated imagery.
Seashore Lines posted on their Facebook page,
“Beginning in March, 2024, and concluding in April, 2025, the Seashore Lines diligently provided its rail equipment and property access for the use of Universal Studios during all aspects of their filming production.
Utilizing Seashore Lines train crews, equipment and special locations along our right of way in Atlantic and Cape May counties, rehearsals proceeded for the entire month of February, 2025, and filming was completed in March, 2025.
The Seashore Lines and its staff wish to extend their most special thanks to Steven Spielberg and his team at Universal Studios / Amblin Entertainment for allowing us to participate in such a remarkable film production.
The hospitality, courtesy, kindness and thoughtfulness throughout the entire production of DISCLOSURE DAY is very much appreciated.
It was an honor and a privilege for the Seashore Lines to contribute to this cinematic masterpiece!”
A homecoming for Spielberg
The project also carried a special significance for Spielberg himself.
Though known worldwide for directing classics such as “Jaws,” “E.T.” and “Jurassic Park,” Spielberg spent part of his childhood in Camden County, specifically Haddon Township. Filming extensively in New Jersey represented something of a homecoming for the legendary director.
As production wrapped in Woodbine, local officials even presented Spielberg with a ceremonial key to the borough, thanking him for bringing one of Hollywood’s biggest productions to South Jersey.
More than movie magic
Beyond the excitement of spotting film crews and celebrities, the production delivered a substantial economic boost to South Jersey.
The film’s $34 million in New Jersey spending supported hotels, restaurants, equipment suppliers, transportation companies and local workers. State officials say productions like “Disclosure Day”demonstrate how New Jersey’s film tax incentives continue attracting major projects and creating jobs throughout the state.
The next time a train rumbles through Tuckahoe or a traveler passes through Woodbine, they may be looking at more than just another South Jersey landmark. They may be looking at a piece of movie history — one that helped bring Spielberg’s latest vision to life.
